Where does Syracuse rank as an athletic director job?

I’ll caveat this by saying that “power ranking” lists are always incredibly subjective, and are even more so when they’re not just based on actual wins and losses on the field. Still, Athletic Director U ranked all 15 ACC athletic director jobs — not the athletic directors themselves — this week, and Syracuse finished 13th overall.

To some extent, it makes sense given the football program’s struggles leading up to last season. But that’s only part of the grade. Facilities factor in, and the site ranks SU pretty low here despite Melo and football’s indoor practice facility. The Dome can be debated, but those two buildings are recognized as major selling points.

Same goes for non-revenue sports, which we’ll actually give DOCTOR Gross some credit for building up in his time at Syracuse. The article puts the Orange all the way down at 13 despite sustained success across many Olympic sports and two national titles (cross country, field hockey) since joining the ACC.

Again, all subjective, and maybe Syracuse nets out 13th overall anyway. But does seem like there’s a little bit more left to be desired in terms of analysis on the Orange here when making said evaluation.

That, plus the rest of your Syracuse-related links below:

Athletic Department Power Index: Atlantic Coast Conference (Athletic Director U)

The nine variables utilized to determine the rankings include: Athletics facilities relative to ACC peers, Perceptions about the ability to generate donor & corporate support for the athletics program, Perceptions about institutional leadership (e.g. President, Trustees, C-Suite) in support of the athletic program, Perceptions about the quality of the institution’s brand, Perceptions about the potential for serious compliance & NCAA rules violations...

What hindered Tommy DeVito, Syracuse football air attack at Liberty? (Syracuse.com)

DeVito’s second interception-- a pass that he admittedly forced -- was touched at the line by a pressuring lineman. The ball floated and sailed toward a blanketed Taj Harris in the end zone, but may actually have been intended for tight end Aaron Hackett short of the goal line. A near-interception on the right side early in the game was also deflected. The broadcast crew on ESPN+ did not note either tip.

Why Syracuse’s secondary is trending toward lanky players (Daily Orange)

“You don’t expect how long they will be, how they can push you to the sideline, move you with their length, and their arms and stuff like that,” said Jackson. “It can be a tough challenge playing the ball in the air, everything really.” On a vertical route down the field, Fredrick wants to be hip-to-hip with the receiver. While it seems like his length wouldn’t matter in this instance, it’s really serving as a security blanket.

Massimo Ferrin’s dedication to training built him into a technical playmaker (Daily Orange)

Without telling Ferrin, Gino would then tailor their side practices for whichever technique Ferrin was in need of maintaining, like more touches to the right foot when he was becoming reliant on his left. When Ferrin was almost 14, Gino saw him as potential D-I talent. “Once I talked to Massimo, to be honest, he did it on his own, he really did,” Gino said. “This wasn’t dad or mom saying, ‘Hey, did you go do your extra soccer training?’”

Syracuse defense purring; offense needs a jolt (AP)

Overall, the defense had eight sacks among its 14 tackles for a loss of 51 total yards and held Liberty to minus-4 yards rushing in 34 attempts. The coach was duly impressed by the latter. ”That’s a big, big feather, and that’s why I used the word great,” Babers said. “The defense did a great job.”

If all Dino Babers needs is a better offense, he’ll ‘play those cards (Syracuse.com)

Wax feels ‘so much love’ from Syracuse (CuseNation)

Syracuse football running back Otto Zaccardo put on scholarship (Syracuse.com)

Defender Clarke Brown’s development into one of SU’s top players hinges on her offensive abilities (Daily Orange)

Top-ranked guard Dior Johnson will take unofficial visit to Syracuse Sept. 26-27 (Twitter)